We’re proud to have launched our redesigned Smart Manufacturing Technology Back to Work (SMTech B2W) program, formerly known as the Earn & Learn Fremont pilot program, which aims to assist dislocated English as a Second Language (ESL) workers and other minorities in establishing lasting careers in advanced manufacturing.
The first cohort of approximately 10 individuals received an industry-recognized credential as well as a certificate of completion, a pathway to an associate and undergraduate degree, and a portion of the cohort received eight weeks of paid work experience at Tesla. Following the program, all participants were offered full-time employment at Tesla, including benefits and stock options.
Tesla hosted a graduation ceremony on Monday, July 11 to celebrate the participants, with Fremont Mayor Lily Mei also in attendance to give opening remarks.
Building on a longstanding relationship, the Fremont Economic Development team and Ohlone College have worked closely to design this cohort and future cohorts with scalability and financial sustainability top of mind. This includes establishing strong connections with Fremont businesses so that employer engagement and reliable funding for training will be available for cohorts to come. Additionally, the City of Fremont and Ohlone College plan to continue the SMTech B2W program in October 2022 with another cohort of Ukrainian and Afghan refugees who will work at other local Fremont manufacturing companies.